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Pierre Jeanneret – Library table with light, ca. 1963-64



This reading table designed by PIERRE JEANNERET was intended for the Legislative Assembly and the University of Punjab library in Chandigarh, India.

Commissionned by Nehru to construct the new capital of the Punjab region when India gained independence in 1947, LE CORBUSIER designed a project that would illustrate the country’s bright future. Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier’s cousin and lifelong collaborator, was entrusted the designing of most of the furniture of the city.

Jeanneret opted for readily available materials, with an emphasis on the different local spieces of wood -here teak- rot-resistant and perfectly adapted to the vicissitude of the climate. The large table top rests on two solid ‘‘angle’’ typeside legs while the lightning is provided by two central reflectors in folded sheet metal, mounted on tubes of lacquered steel. A central slab in frosted glass separates both sides and provides more privacy to readers.

The table can with ease accomodate up to six seats. This elegant yet sturdy model is typical of Jeanneret’s style.